Ben Danford is a solid leader, but skill-wise, there’s still room for improvement. He hasn’t taken many offensive steps and still doesn’t show much ability with the puck. Danford has always been labelled as a defensive defenseman, but the lack of offense is a concern. Points aren’t everything, but it’s hard to make the NHL as a low-impact defender. He looks like a safe bottom-pair defenseman, which Leafs fans may not want to hear is the potential outcome for a first-round pick, but Danford looks like someone who’ll play NHL games, albeit perhaps a bit quietly.

Danford was selected 31st overall by Toronto.

April 2024Danford is a steady and effective defenseman on a strong Oshawa team. He logs big minutes and is a strong defender. He shows poise under pressure and can get pucks out of his own end and up the ice. He’s got a bit of a physical game as well and plays (and looks) bigger than he’s listed. There isn’t much offensively with Danford, but he still put-up decent point totals as a draft eligible defenseman. Danford plays a predictable game that coaches will appreciate as they know what they’re getting out of him every night. He could become a reliable penalty killer and bottom pairing defenseman at the NHL level. Jordan Harris (April ranking: 60th)

February 2024Danford’s well-rounded game is sure to attract some NHL scouts earlier than the late second round. A relatively safe defenseman will good breakout tools and mobility, Danford’s upside revolves around retrieve-and-pass plays under pressure. The lack of offensive pop is a detractor, and so is the decision-making on the rare occasions where he gets beat to a loose puck, but there’s upside — especially if he starts experimenting offensively — as the safe member of a middle pair or the more active member of a third pair in the NHL. Hadi Kalakeche